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When it comes to finding the best TV on the market, you’ll find plenty of options in the best 40 inch TV category. Of course, a little research will certainly make it easier. A 40-inch TV is a perfect choice if you’re looking to upgrade your screen size but don’t have the space or the desire for a really big model.
At this size, the best models are LED and QLED TVs with smart functionality and support for 4K resolution and HDR, allowing you to enjoy a spectacular visual experience. If you want it to work with Amazon Alexa or Google home, you’ll find plenty of models with Amazon TV, Roku TV, or Android TV capabilities, too, along with voice control. A TV of this size should also have plenty of connection options so that you can hook up your game console and other peripherals. Keep reading to see what 40-inch TVs are, their pros and cons, how long they last, and other aspects. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best 40 inch TV for yourself.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV runs on the easy-to-use Roku platform, which provides access to more than 500,000 movie and TV titles for wholesome at-home entertainment.
The 40-inch TCL 40S325 is a 1080p display that is easy to use and offers access to more than 5000 streaming channels for endless entertainment. The display boasts a decent range of connectivity options, as it comes with 3 HDMI and one single USB port for external connections. It is based on the Roku TV platform, which is very easy to navigate and has a variety of in-built apps that users can log on to. However, gamers might not be too impressed with this TV as it doesn’t have any advanced gaming support.
On the flip side, users also can download the Roku TV mobile app, as this allows for voice control and can also act as a remote that can be used whenever the actual remote is not very near. The TV also processes fast-moving action scenes pretty well thanks to its 60Hz refresh rate, and with in-built support for Wi-Fi, users will be able to stream their content seamlessly as long as the TV is connected to a speedy network.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV is a perfect pick for users that enjoy streaming content. It has built-in Wi-Fi support for seamless network connectivity and decent motion handling for fast action scenes.
The Samsung UN40N is a 40-inch display with a 1080p resolution and enhanced contrast for deep blacks. As a Samsung TV, it also features Samsung’s Smart TV platform for easy access to a wide range of streaming apps. Also, its 60Hz refresh rate is high enough to keep motion blur at bay, and with an Eco Sensor in tow, the display is also able to intelligently adapt its brightness according to the environment. Unfortunately, the display doesn’t support HDR content.
Despite that, the TV can also display content on its TV screen through its Sync & Share feature. So, users will be able to enjoy media from their phone or tablet on the TV without any wired connection. Color on the TV is also pretty good since users will be able to enjoy a vibrant display when watching movies, and with its Full HD resolution, details are clear enough for unrestricted viewing.
Award: BEST FOR STREAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV runs on the easy-to-use Android TV platform and provides access to more than 500,000 movie and TV show titles for all-around entertainment.
Hisense 40H5500F 40-inch display is a Full HD display that runs the Android TV operating system. It is easy to navigate and provides rich content to users who spend most of their TV time streaming movies and TV shows. Its sound is impressive since the display relies on DTS TruSurround technology for audio processing. And, when switched to Game Mode, its reduced input lag allows for quicker reactions when gaming. Unfortunately, it does not have support for HDR content.
With Wi-Fi built-in, streaming is pretty problem-free as long as the TV is connected to a speedy network. It is also compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control, and with Motion Rate 120, fast action scenes appear smoother and with increased clarity. The TV also maintains good balance when table mounted thanks to its two-legged stand, and with the Android TV app available for download, users will also be able to use their phone as a remote.
Award: BEST FOR EASE OF USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: The TV is very easy to navigate and has vivid picture quality for its category. It has a decent array of connectivity options and great motion handling.
This Sceptre TV measures about 40-inches and has excellent motion handling capabilities thanks to its support for Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation technology (MEMC 120). This means users will be able to action-packed sequences with very smooth transitions. It also features a Full HD resolution that delivers decent picture quality and a Mobile High Definition Link for connecting a compatible smartphone or tablet and viewing its contents on the screen. The TV is not made for gaming, so you won’t find any specialized features that adapt it for such.
However, it does come with an HDMI port that older consoles can be connected to and a USB port for users that would like to view media from other streaming sources. The display also has a reasonable 60Hz refresh rate and support for analog video, thanks to its VGA connection. Most users will also appreciate its reduced power consumption, as it won’t significantly increase anyone’s electricity bill.
Award: BEST FOR GOOD SOUND
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV has great sound, so users will enjoy watching cable TV without necessarily having to add any external speakers
This 40-inch Komodo TV is made for users that don’t expect much from their TV. It has basic functionality, but it comes with DTS SRS TruSurround Sound technology, creating a fantastic listening experience for its users. The display has a USB port for accessing external media and an HDMI input that allows users to connect their consoles for casual gaming. It is, however, not a Smart TV and does not have any real support for gaming.
The TV comes ready to wall mount and has an HDMI port that users can use to connect to other gaming consoles. Its plastic legs will hold it up with no wobble when table mounted, but the TV can also be easily wall mounted by users that prefer to do so. Its built-in speakers generate enough sound for comfortable viewing and are an ideal choice for users who are good with cable TV.
Award: BEST FOR CASUAL VIEWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: The TV is very easy to navigate, courtesy of its Roku TV platform. It is also an ideal option for streamers thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
This Westinghouse TV is a 40-inch display that runs on a Roku TV platform and has a Full HD resolution. It allows for problem-free streaming through its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and is compatible with smart home services such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for easy voice control. Users are also welcome to download the Roku TV app as it also comes with nifty features such as Private Listening, but gamers might not like it as much since it doesn’t have any supportive gaming features.
Fortunately, the display comes with Dolby Audio for crystal-clear audio and supports casting directly from a smartphone or tablet. It also features a 1000:1 contrast ratio and comes with a Roku TV remote that has one-click access to streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Sling.
A 40-inch TV is simply a television that’s 40 inches wide diagonally, comes with support for Full HD or 4K resolution, and may or may not have smart features or built-in internet functionality. A television of this size is perfect for comfortably viewing from 6 to 8 feet away, so it’s the perfect size for medium-sized living rooms since it won’t dominate your space. If you need to move it from room to room, 40-inch models won’t be too large for mobile television stands, either.
A 40-inch screen size TV is similar to other TVs in displaying images, but the primary difference is in terms of size. A TV of this size is going to be too big for small rooms like the kitchen or a dorm room — you’ll want something smaller for those spaces, like a 24 or 32-inch model. However, if you’re looking for TVs for a bedroom or den, you’ll want to compare 40-inch vs 55-inch TVs.
Due to the small size, you also will not find OLED TVs in 40 inches (Usually, these come as 50-inch TVs), as these units use either LCD, LED, or QLED technology with 1080p or 4K resolution. Larger televisions will generally have Full HD and 4K resolution, as well, with a few models sporting 8K.
Like other models, TVs in this size range also support HDR for great contrast and Dolby Vision. However, they still lack some of the more advanced features that you can find on larger televisions.
For a look at brands, check out the leading Hisense TVs and TCL TV comparison against other brands.
A 40-inch TV works like any other TV — it converts electrical signals into pictures and sounds. If it’s a smart TV, it’ll have an integrated operating system that lets you access and use internet-based content. In this case, there won’t be a need to connect additional streaming devices, like the Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast.
A smart TV connects to a Wi-Fi network, similar to how you connect to Wi-Fi with your laptop or smartphone. These models come loaded with applications for streaming content, and they also display apps the way they’re shown on your smartphone. For example, apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime are typically preloaded on smart TVs.
A dumb TV or non-smart TV comes without built-in internet functionality. But if it has the right connectivity options (HDMI and USB ports), it can be converted into a smart TV using a streaming stick, like the ones mentioned above. If budget is a concern, you may want to check out our guide on the best time of year to buy a new TV to save some money.
A 40-inch TV is neither too small nor too large, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an upgrade that won’t clutter your space and dominate it. It’s also perfect if you want to place the TV in a mid-sized living room. Let’s look at some more reasons why it’s worth buying and why you’ll want to avoid it.
How long a TV lasts depends on its quality, how much it’s used, how well it’s maintained, and most importantly, the display technology it uses.
An LCD TV offers around 50,000 to 60,000 hours of viewing. At 8 hours of viewing per day, it can last you close to two decades, but it’s likely to malfunction earlier due to other reasons.
LED TVs have a lifespan between 40,000 and 100,000 hours, but that’s at maximum or near-maximum brightness. Even with heavy use, these TVs will work well for at least 5 to 7 years, and over a decade with moderate or low usage. Beyond that period, you’ll likely notice a decrease in image quality.
OLED TVs are better performing than LED TVs, but the material used in the construction of these panels is organic, so they have a limited lifespan compared to the latter. After about 8 to 10 years of use at optimal settings, you’ll see a decrease in performance and image quality.
QLED TVs use quantum light-emitting diodes to greatly boost the colors and the brightness of images on the screen. Since it’s not based on organic materials, QLED doesn’t degrade over time. This means QLED TVs provide top-of-the-line image quality that lasts longer than most other display technology. At max settings, QLEDs should last from 7 to 10 years or longer without any degradation in visual quality.
QLED TVs are also guaranteed to be burn-in-free, so you can be sure that they’ll offer you the best viewing experience. Burn-in is when static images, like channel logos, are displayed for long periods and leave a permanent outline on the screen.
Once you’ve decided to pick up the best 40-inch TV, you must consider several factors to narrow down your selection. Display technology, resolution, and price range are a few of these aspects. Let’s look at these and more below.
LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED are some of the different display technologies available on the market.
LCD stands for liquid crystal display, and standard LCD monitors use fluorescent tubes to produce light and brighten the picture. Although it costs less than LED, OLED, and QLEDs, the picture quality is relatively low.
LED (light-emitting diode) also uses a liquid crystal display, but instead of fluorescent tubes to produce lights, it relies on light-emitting diodes. This mechanism in LEDs leads to superior picture quality and sharper images than standard LCDs.
While LED and LCDs need backlights to produce brightness, OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays need no backlight because they use a sheet of organic LEDs, and each OLED subpixel produces light. This results in deeper blacks, incredible image contrast, and the highest picture quality. Even when viewed from an angle, the visuals retain their quality and sharpness.
QLED (Quantum-dot LED) TVs have traditional LCD panels that are lit by LEDs. A quantum dot layer fills the space between the LCD panel and the backlight to create more saturated colors, but it’s not backlight-free like OLED displays. QLED displays are brighter than OLEDs and are the perfect choice for bright and sunny spaces. But in terms of picture quality and realism, OLEDs are typically better. There are no 40-inch OLED TVs in the market currently, but you’ll find 40 inch QLED TVs.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that compose the image on the TV display — the higher the number of pixels, the better the quality and sharpness of the visuals.
At HD resolution, you have 921,600 pixels, and it doubles to 2 million with Full HD. But with 4K, you’re looking at a massive 8 million pixels. This is a colossal jump from Full HD images, and it means all the visuals will have incredible clarity despite the size of the display.
4K content has grown substantially over the years, and you’ll find plenty of 4K media on streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. If you love watching films, you’ll want to get a TV that supports 4K resolution so that you can see all the visual elements the way they were intended to be seen. Not just that, even watching your own photos and videos on a 4K TV will feel significantly better.
Some larger TVs offer 8K support now, but there is virtually no 8K content to stream. You also generally won’t find an 8K TV smaller than 65 inches, with the rare model coming in at 55 inches.
The refresh rate determines how many times per second a picture is refreshed on the screen. The standard refresh rate is 60 times per second, and it’s measured in Hertz (60 Hz).
A 60 Hz refresh rate is decent, but if a visual sequence has too many elements moving around swiftly, it can make everything look choppy or blurry. That’s why companies have created monitors and TVs with support for higher refresh rates, like 120 Hz and 240 Hz. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the visuals will look, especially when viewing action films or sports matches.
Gamers will majorly benefit from a TV with a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz because it smoothes out the visuals and ensures the players sees more frames per second. More frames per second provide an immense advantage while playing competitive FPS games.
HDR stands for high-dynamic range, and TVs that support this can capture and produce a wide range of colors. The highlights will also be brighter, the colors will pop, and there’ll be higher contrast so that the visuals look more natural and accurate. Without HDR, a TV can’t reproduce specific colors authentically; it’ll try to use substitute colors, but the result will look different from how the image was originally shot.
HDR is supported across LCD, LED, OLED, and QLED screens, but it’s only available on 4K displays.
Smart TVs have become quite common on the market. The built-in internet functionality and advanced TV operating systems make it super convenient to stream your favorite content at any time. It’s no wonder more people are cutting the cord and moving to streaming services. Although smart TVs are generally more expensive, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a 40 inch dumb TV.
The market is packed with premium TVs that cost thousands of dollars and have advanced features, like 4K resolution and OLED display. But you can easily find the cheapest 40 inch smart TV at an affordable price with a little bit of research. However, if you opt for a curved TV, expect to pay a little more.
Smaller-sized TVs are always less expensive than the larger models, and you’ll find 40-inch smart TVs fall in the range of $300 to $600. If there’s a sale, you can hope to pick one up for a little under $200. Make sure to do your research well, though, as it’s not uncommon to find one with 4K resolution for less than $300.